1959 BMW 503 vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 503 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
